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The Nintendo Wii U is now out, and it's full of interesting new features we haven't seen on a Nintendo system before, and some features we haven't seen on any game console before. These range from inherent aspects of the Wii U gamepad and its touch screen to online services Nintendo plans to launch in the coming weeks and months.

Nintendo TViiEvery game console including the Nintendo Wii has a selection of online video services like Netflix and Hulu Plus, but the Wii U goes a step further. Nintendo TVii aggregates your favorite shows and movies across multiple services and lets you decide how you want to watch content on Netflix, Hulu Plus, or even your TiVo DVR or cable box. Sports games and other shows get additional information integration, with live scores of multiple games at once appearing on the gamepad while you watch. You can have multiple favorites lists based on different members of your household, and users can respond to content in realtime and share their thoughts with other users.

WaraWara PlazaThe Wii U's main menu is integrated into Nintendo's network of Wii U users. Every time you start your Wii U, a crowd of Miis appear in the screen, showing what people are playing and many of their comments. Individual Miis let you look at the games they're playing and other information.

NFC SupportThe Wii U gamepad supports near-field communications (NFC), a technology that lets you transfer data wirelessly over short distances just by tapping two devices together. While Nintendo hasn't announced actual in-game use for NFC, it offers a lot of potential for connectivity and bonus content. You could pick up an NFC figurine at a game store, tap it on the gamepad, and that character can be added to your game.

Will Greenwald has been covering consumer technology for more than six years, and has served on the editorial staffs of CNET.com, Sound & Vision, and Maximum PC. Since graduating from Syracuse University in 2005, Will has been an active technology journalist both online and in print. His work and analysis has been seen in GamePro, Tested.com, Geek.com, and several other publications. He currently covers consumer electronics in the PCMag.com labs, focusing on Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, and other home theater equipment.
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